Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans (Details 9) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011
Pension plan, United States [Member]
Retiree pension benefit payments
2012	$ 12,762
2013	11,443
2014	12,669
2015	13,982
2016	14,243
2017-2021	92,072
Pension plan International [Member]
Retiree pension benefit payments
2012	1,942
2013	1,989
2014	2,399
2015	2,840
2016	2,288
2017-2021	$ 17,271

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The amount of the aggregate benefits expected to be paid in the five fiscal years thereafter (the aggregate amount of benefits expected to be paid in years 6 through 10 after the date of the latest statement of financial position).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid in Year 5.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

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- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid in Year 4.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid in Year 1.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid in Year 3.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid in Year 2.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph f

+ Details

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